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California Accounts for 40 Percent of US Plug-In Saleshttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/09/california-accounts-40-percent-plug-hybrid-sales.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/09/california-accounts-40-percent-plug-hybrid-sales.html#commentsTue, 09 Sep 2014 17:07:06 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=255790California Accounts for 40 Percent of US Plug-In SalesThanks to stricter emissions laws than the rest of the country, California alone accounts for nearly half of plug-in vehicle sales in the US. From December of 2010 to last month, 102,440 plug-in hybrid vehicles have been sold in California, while over the same time frame 250,000 plug-ins were sold throughout the country. That makes up roughly... more]]>

Thanks to stricter emissions laws than the rest of the country, California alone accounts for nearly half of plug-in vehicle sales in the US.

From December of 2010 to last month, 102,440 plug-in hybrid vehicles have been sold in California, while over the same time frame 250,000 plug-ins were sold throughout the country. That makes up roughly 40 percent of the domestic market when it comes to selling plug-in vehicles, which includes battery-only cars like the Tesla Model S or range-extended cars like the Chevy Volt.

California has set a goal of having 1.5 million plug-in cars on the road by 2025, and passing the 100,000 vehicle mark was big milestone according to Gov. Jerry Brown, but the State still has a long way to go.

The Obama administration also has goals set, hoping for 1 million plug-in cars on the road by 2015. That goal seems much less attainable, as by the end of this year there is only likely to be 300,000 of these vehicles on the road.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/09/california-accounts-40-percent-plug-hybrid-sales.html/feed0more]]>Should You Buy a Hybrid, Diesel or Electric Car?http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/09/should-you-buy-a-hybrid-diesel-or-electric-car.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/09/should-you-buy-a-hybrid-diesel-or-electric-car.html#commentsMon, 23 Sep 2013 17:02:52 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=215379Should You Buy a Hybrid, Diesel or Electric Car?If you’re sick of spending money on gas, you aren’t alone. There are plenty of options for you but finding the right alternative fuel vehicle can be complicated. Choosing the right car depends on a number of limiting factors that don’t necessarily apply to conventional cars or drivers. Fortunately, we’ve outlined six demographics that alternative... more]]>If you’re sick of spending money on gas, you aren’t alone. There are plenty of options for you but finding the right alternative fuel vehicle can be complicated.

Choosing the right car depends on a number of limiting factors that don’t necessarily apply to conventional cars or drivers. Fortunately, we’ve outlined six demographics that alternative fuel vehicles specifically target. Which one fits you best?

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/09/should-you-buy-a-hybrid-diesel-or-electric-car.html/feed3more]]>5M EVs, PHEVs on the Road by 2035: Edison Foundationhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/04/5m-evs-phevs-on-the-road-by-2035-edison-foundation.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/04/5m-evs-phevs-on-the-road-by-2035-edison-foundation.html#commentsThu, 25 Apr 2013 13:12:11 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=1935315M EVs, PHEVs on the Road by 2035: Edison FoundationFew have been optimistic about the market for plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, but Edison Foundation believes there will be at least 5 million of them on the road by 2035. Optimistic? It may seem so, considering there’s only about 90,000 on the road today in the US. Nevertheless, the Edison Foundation believes that’s even... more]]>

Few have been optimistic about the market for plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, but Edison Foundation believes there will be at least 5 million of them on the road by 2035.

Optimistic? It may seem so, considering there’s only about 90,000 on the road today in the US. Nevertheless, the Edison Foundation believes that’s even a conservative estimate and believes that figure could jump as high as 30 million if there’s further advancement in battery technology.

The foundation suggested as a mid-range scenario that there would be around 25 million plug-based vehicles on the road by 2035, making up 10 percent of the American passenger vehicle fleet. Most skeptics would believe that these estimates are way too aggressive, as even some automakers are realizing that EVs and PHEVs aren’t catching on as quickly as they had hoped.

Things are looking bright for the market however, as sales have increased in recent months for vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Volt. Of course, as with anything technology related, it’s hard to tell what the future may bring. A few years from now, batteries for EVs and PHEVs could be lower priced, have extended range, and quicker to charge.

“Opportunities for electrification in the transportation sector are large and advanced batteries are a major driver,” said Lisa Wood, the Edison Foundation’s Executive Director. “Electric transportation makes economic and environmental sense. Approximately 90,000 Americans have said goodbye to the pump and hello to the plug due to battery advancements and a growing selection of car models that has made driving an EV more accessible than ever before. This number will only grow.”

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/04/5m-evs-phevs-on-the-road-by-2035-edison-foundation.html/feed1more]]>2014 Nissan Rogue Sneek Peak: 2012 LA Auto Show Previewhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/11/2014-nissan-rogue-sneek-peak-2012-la-auto-show-preview.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/11/2014-nissan-rogue-sneek-peak-2012-la-auto-show-preview.html#commentsSat, 24 Nov 2012 14:01:40 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=1676492014 Nissan Rogue Sneek Peak: 2012 LA Auto Show PreviewHeading to the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show is the Nissan Hi-Cross Concept, a compact crossover we originally saw earlier this year at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Boasting three-row seating, the Hi-Cross Concept is a good preview of what the future Rogue may look like. As for the concept, it’s powered by a 2.0-liter... more]]>

Boasting three-row seating, the Hi-Cross Concept is a good preview of what the future Rogue may look like. As for the concept, it’s powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder combined with an electric motor and a compact lithium-ion battery system. The Japanese automaker earlier this year said that the hybrid offers similar performance to a 2.5-liter.

Given that the Nissan Hi-Cross Concept is heading to the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, the automaker is certainly seeking additional feedback on the concept and no decision has been made as to whether or not it’ll be produced. Currently, a new Rogue is scheduled to debut next year and it wouldn’t be a surprise if it featured plenty of influence from the Hi-Cross.

GALLERY: Nissan Hi-Cross Concept

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/11/2014-nissan-rogue-sneek-peak-2012-la-auto-show-preview.html/feed3more]]>Nissan Hi-Cross is a Compact Crossover We’d Like to Have: 2012 Geneva Motor Showhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/03/nissan-hi-cross-hints-is-a-compact-crossover-wed-like-to-have-2012-geneva-motor-show.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/03/nissan-hi-cross-hints-is-a-compact-crossover-wed-like-to-have-2012-geneva-motor-show.html#commentsTue, 06 Mar 2012 19:13:07 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=118539Nissan Hi-Cross is a Compact Crossover We’d Like to Have: 2012 Geneva Motor ShowUtilizing a development of Nissan's new Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) drivetrain, the Hi-CROSS combines a 2.0-liter gas four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and compact lithium ion battery system. The result is said to provide the performance of a 2.5-liter motor with the fuel economy and emissions of a much smaller engine. more]]>

And with talk of adding a new edition to the Nissan lineup of crossovers in Europe, namely the Juke, Murano and Qashqai, that means a production version of the Hi-Cross will pick up where the boxy X-Trail left off.

As for the US, well Nissan dealers said they didn’t want the X-Trail when it was first introduced in 2005, but given how fast things change in the auto business, what might have seemed like a good idea then, probably isn’t now or in the near future, so such a vehicle might have a fighting chance this time around.

Nissan says the Hi-Cross showcases the future direction of corporate vehicle design, though it does have an aura of Infiniti FX about it, thanks to its coke bottle contours. Although a compact, the Hi-Cross boasts three-row seating, giving it considerable interior flexibility as well as great potential sales appeal.

Utilizing a development of Nissan’s new Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) drivetrain, the Hi-CROSS combines a 2.0-liter gas four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and compact lithium ion battery system. The result is said to provide the performance of a 2.5-liter motor with the fuel economy and emissions of a much smaller engine.

As for the transmission, well it probably isn’t surprising that a version of Nissan’s XTRONIC CVT is employed, though smaller pulleys and a new belt have been incorporated to improve efficiency, while a “one motor, two clutch” system allows the gasoline engine to be engaged and uncoupled at will.

Although Nissan’s Deputy Division General Manager of Product Strategy François Bancon, says the Hi-CROSS is “purely a concept car, exploring potential ideas for the future,” it does seem rather advanced for such a machine, plus the segment it’s aimed at is currently one of the most lucrative of all, which begs the question; could a production model be announced in New York or Paris? Watch this space.

GALLERY: Nissan Hi-Cross Concept

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/03/nissan-hi-cross-hints-is-a-compact-crossover-wed-like-to-have-2012-geneva-motor-show.html/feed0more]]>Lexus GS450h: Frankfurt Motor Show 2011http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/09/lexus-gs450h-frankfurt-motor-show-2011.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/09/lexus-gs450h-frankfurt-motor-show-2011.html#commentsTue, 13 Sep 2011 17:34:17 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=83393Lexus GS450h: Frankfurt Motor Show 2011Other features of the new GS450h; include specific headlamp treatment with the high/low beam LED headlights and turn signals aligned in a single row; plus an energy saving air conditioning system shared with other GS models that includes S-Flow and 'nanoe' technologies, the latter designed to 'clean' the air onboard when the system is turned on. more]]>

Making it’s world premier at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the 2012 Lexus GS450h Hybrid follows its conventional counterpart, first seen at Pebble Beach last month.

One of the most highly anticipated Lexus models in recent time; this latest GS450h aims to build on the foundation laid by its immediate predecessor. Although outwardly similar to the standard GS350; embodying what Lexus calls it’s L-Finesse design philosophy, the new 450h is a full hybrid, in this case sporting a two-motor hybrid system and Atkinson Cycle V-6 gas engine, the first time this combination has been fitted to a rear-wheel drive vehicle. Fuel economy is claimed to be some 30 percent better than the old GS450h.

Other features of the new GS450h include specific headlamp treatment with the high/low beam LED headlights and turn signals aligned in a single row, plus an energy saving air conditioning system shared with other GS models that includes S-Flow and ‘nanoe’ technologies, the latter designed to ‘clean’ the air onboard when the system is turned on.

Also featured is a second generation Remote Touch Interface that’s linked up to the world’s largest on board multi-display screen, as well as a new Mark Levinson sound system, for those that care about that sort of thing.

Thanks to a re-designed rear suspension setup and repackaged battery; trunk volume has increased on the new GS by some 23 percent versus the outgoing GS and Lexus says the new version was conceived as a more fun to drive luxury hybrid sedan, thanks to changes to the suspension and steering, as well as incorporating a more driver focused cockpit with improved ergonomics and seating.

A what you may ask? Well, a hybrid pickup, a dual powertrain vehicle that uses a gasoline engine, but instead of an electric motor and batteries, relies on a reservoir, accumulator and hydraulic pump as its secondary source for motivation.

Hydraulic hybrids are not new, but until now they’ve largely been used on concept vehicles and delivery or garbage trucks; vehicles that spend a lot of time in urban driving cycles and under frequent stop/start conditions.

A hydraulic hybrid system works by having fluid stored under pressure in the accumulator, which is converted into energy and transmitted to the vehicle’s rear wheels via what Perry Li, co-deputy director of the Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power (a real mouthful, that) calls a “power split hydraulic hybrid architecture.”

The CCEFP has teamed up with Ford Motor Company to work on the concept, using a F-150 as the subject vehicle. The truck is powered by a 4.6-liter single overhead cam V8, but uses a special continuously variable transmission built by Folsom Technologies. Whereas some hybrid gas/electric trucks, like Chevy’s Silverado, use electric motors inside the transmission to provide power to the driven wheels, this one uses hydraulic pump motors. Combined with the CVT, the hydraulic system allows power to be variably split between the gas engine and the secondary power source, improving fuel economy.

How much? Well, a conventional 4.6-liter F-150 has a combined city/highway mileage ratings of 18-mpg. With the CVT and hydraulic system operating, Li claims the same truck can likely deliver as much as 40-mpg in urban driving!

The CCEFP is a national network of seven universities and 55 industrial partners which is funded by the National Science Foundation, whose mission is to pursue innovation in the areas of hydraulic and pneumatic technology, including small, efficient powertrains for vehicles.

Li says that he hopes to have a running, driving hydraulic hybrid prototype F-150 on the road by the end of this year.

It will be interesting to see if his claims can actually be supported by raw data. If they can, it looks like the future of our beloved pickup truck might not be electric at all and from many angles, particularly as it applies to heavier vehicles and commercial fleets, that’s probably a good thing.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/02/ford-considers-hydraulic-hybrid-f-150.html/feed1more]]>MBtech Reporter The Future of Pickup Trucks?http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/10/mbtech-reporter-the-future-of-pickup-trucks.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/10/mbtech-reporter-the-future-of-pickup-trucks.html#commentsMon, 18 Oct 2010 00:29:04 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=35666MBtech Reporter – The Future of Pickup Trucks?What's very interesting is that besides working together, each power source can also operate independently - the 70 kW electric motor driving the wheels, while the 1.2-liter natural gas unit powers the fronts. more]]>

At the recent IAA Commercial Vehicle Expo in Hanover, Germany; MBtech a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz unveiled a striking concept truck called the Reporter.

Stylistically the Report looks like what would happen if a modern European B-car and a pop-up camping trailer were left alone for a few hours, but it does incorporate some innovative features, including flexible strips of solar material that are both removable and storable.

The solar ‘roof’ helps charge the vehicle’s 12-volt battery, important considering that the Reporter is a natural gas-electric propelled conveyance; the two motors working together to allow this truck to reach a top speed of more than 80 mph and a range of 186 miles before recharging. What’s very interesting, is that besides working together, each power source can also operate independently – the 70 kW electric motor driving the rear wheels, while the 1.2-liter natural gas unit powers the fronts. In addition the gas engine can also run on regular petrol (gasoline) considerably extending the vehicle’s range.

The Reporter also boasts three different operating modes 4Dynamic (for maximum power when hauling or towing); 4Range (that minimizes fuel consumption) and Eco, where the vehicle runs purely on electric power. Considering that weight remains a challenge with many electric and hybrid type vehicles, the Reporter concept is constructed using a large amount of aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced plastics in order to keep mass to a minimum. Although the vehicle shown here is very much a concept, MBtech claims that eventual production is a very real possibility. At the IAA show, the company stated “two further project phases will follow soon.” Watch this space.